A hybrid combined heat and power system based on PEM fuel cell design for high-speed zero carbon service area

A combined heat and power system (CHPs) using proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) as its primary energy output device is an attractive option due to its high electrical generation efficiency and low heat-to-power ratio. A hybrid PEMFC-based CHPs (PEMFC-CHPs) has been designed to provide both electricity and heat for a hydrogen high-speed service area. A comprehensive model of the system has been established and validated to analyze the impacts of key parameters such as PEMFC current density and anode hydrogen inlet pressure on the performance of hybrid PEMFC-CHPs. Evaluate and analyze the system from the perspectives of exergy, energy, and economy. The findings indicate that by fulfilling the service area's load demand, the thermal-led strategy can effectively prevent a waste of 670 kW of heat energy daily but exhibits a power shortage of 573.8 kW.